How Rhinoplasty Can Help
Common Nasal Concerns
When it comes to rhinoplasty, each patient’s goals are unique, but the most common concerns often center around balance, proportion, and the overall harmony of the face. Dr. Kolstad, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Diego, takes a customized approach to each procedure, using his surgical expertise to create results that look natural and complement each patient’s face. Below are several of the most common nasal concerns he addresses, along with the techniques used to correct them.
Dorsal Hump (Nasal Hump)
A prominent hump on the bridge of the nose is among the most common reasons patients seek rhinoplasty. It can make the nose appear larger, more angular, or disrupt an otherwise smooth facial profile. The hump may be composed of bone, cartilage, or a combination of both, and it often becomes more noticeable in profile photos or when viewed from certain angles.
Dr. Kolstad focuses on creating a strong yet refined nasal bridge, reducing the hump in a way that maintains harmony between the forehead, bridge, and nasal tip. Rather than over-reducing, which can create a scooped or “feminized” appearance, he sculpts the bridge to achieve a straight or subtly convex contour that suits the patient’s facial structure.
Surgery Options
- Primary Rhinoplasty (most common approach)
- Open Rhinoplasty (for precise hump reduction and reshaping)
- Closed Rhinoplasty (for smaller or moderate humps where minimal access is sufficient)
Crooked or Asymmetric Nose
A crooked nose can result from genetics, injury, or a deviated septum and can affect both appearance and breathing. The asymmetry might involve the nasal bones, septum, or soft tissues, creating a twisted or uneven appearance that disrupts facial symmetry.
Dr. Kolstad approaches this issue by analyzing the internal and external anatomy to determine where the deviation begins. Correction often involves repositioning the nasal bones, straightening the septum, and rebuilding internal support structures. His goal is to restore alignment while preserving or improving nasal airflow, ensuring that the final result looks natural and functions properly.
Surgery Options
- Septorhinoplasty (addresses both cosmetic and functional deviations)
- Open Rhinoplasty (allows direct access for bone and cartilage repositioning)
- Revision Rhinoplasty (if previous trauma or surgery caused asymmetry)
Drooping Nasal Tip
A drooping nasal tip can make the face appear tired, aged, or less defined. This concern can be genetic or develop over time as nasal support structures weaken. In men, a drooping tip can obscure the strong, structured appearance of the face, while in women, it may detract from delicate balance and elegance.
Dr. Kolstad makes a point not to over-rotate. He carefully reshapes and supports the tip using cartilage grafts or suturing techniques to lift and define the area. The result is a subtle elevation that restores youthful structure without appearing “done.”
Surgery Options
- Tip Rhinoplasty (focused refinement of the nasal tip only)
- Bridge Contouring Rhinoplasty (bridge refinement without tip changes)
- Open Rhinoplasty (for structural support and lifting of the tip)
- Primary Rhinoplasty (if tip droop accompanies other nasal concerns)
Excess Columellar Show (“Hanging Columella”)
The columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) can sometimes protrude too much and make the nose appear elongated or unbalanced in the profile view. While this is often a small anatomical variation, it can have a noticeable effect on facial proportions.
Dr. Kolstad corrects this by subtly adjusting the support structures beneath the nasal tip and refining the shape of the nostrils. The goal is to achieve a natural, proportional transition between the nasal base and upper lip without flattening or over-shortening the nose.
Surgery Options
- Tip Rhinoplasty (minor soft tissue and cartilage adjustments)
- Open Rhinoplasty (for more complex columellar repositioning)
- Revision Rhinoplasty (if over-projection occurred from a previous surgery)
Wide Nose or Broad Nasal Bridge
A wide or broad nose can affect facial harmony, especially when the nasal bridge or nostrils appear disproportionately large compared to the rest of the features. This concern may stem from wide nasal bones, a broad nasal tip, or wide nostril bases.
Dr. Kolstad tailors his approach to the patient’s anatomy and ethnicity, narrowing the nasal bridge or refining the nostrils in a way that complements natural features. Rather than simply making the nose smaller, he focuses on reshaping it to enhance balance and definition while maintaining the patient’s unique character.
Surgery Options
- Primary Rhinoplasty (to narrow and reshape the nasal bridge and nostrils)
- Open Rhinoplasty (for detailed contouring and structural refinement)
- Alar Base Reduction (focused narrowing of wide nostrils; often performed alongside rhinoplasty)
Trusted by Patients
5.0-
Highly recommend!
Dr. Kolstad has such a strong attention to detail and truly listens to what you want. He makes sure you feel comfortable and cared for throughout the entire process. His professionalism and calm demeanor really put me at ease, and I trust his expertise completely. Highly recommend!
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Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor!
Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor! I had two hair transplant surgeries over a span of 12 months with him, 4,800 grafts. I saw a number of other hair transplant surgeons in the area, and Dr. Kolstad’s prices are very reasonable. The outcome was exceptional, I am so happy with my new look! The scheduling of pre- and post-op visits was easy and his staff are excellent. Highly recommend!
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Dr. Kolstad is so incredibly talented
Been coming here for years for filler and Botox. Dr Kolstad is so incredibly talented with his work and keeping a natural look to enhance the beauty you already have! He’s so thorough and communicates with such intent and everyone who works here is so amazing and kind! 10/10
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Dr.Kolstad is a blessing
Dr.Kolstad is a blessing to patients who are looking for a facial rejuvenation and natural beauty changes. He has state of the art with all the latest technology in house operation theatre which is emergency equipped bringing costs to patients lower. The office is immaculately hygienic. Dr K and his staff – Jaina, Saranya and Janice are the entire team is top notch, so caring that I didn’t miss a family member. His facial plastic surgery skills are exquisite. He has amazing bed side manners. Very caring and considerate , putting patient care first. I highly recommend him for any facial plastic surgery without breaking your bank along with top notch care. He is the perfect package.
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Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted
I absolutely love Dr. Kolstads office! I’ve been going here for a few years now for lip filler and Botox. Everyone here is so welcoming and incredibly smart! Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted at what he does all while making sure you still maintain a natural look! Thank you to the team for an amazing experience!
